2006 Ducati 999s from New Zealand

Summary:

Sculpture in motion

Faults:

The Ducati has been extremely reliable, however it is maintained to Ducati specifications by the authorized dealer.

The one fault that occurred was an intermittent cutting of the engine. Wait 15 minutes and it would go again. Finally traced to a faulty fuel pump. Once the pump was replaced, no further problem.

Still on the original clutch and the bike still looks like new.

General Comments:

Stunning looking bike that shows its superbike pedigree every time I ride it. Power, handling, and braking are superb. No longer do I go for a ride just to experience the countryside. This is now about constant polishing of technique and constant learning, as the bike is that good. I am now a much better rider, but never will I be good enough to test the limits of this machine. The Ducati 999 (mine is a 2006 S) is one of the world's landmark motorcycles.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st May, 2015

2005 Ducati 999s from United States of America

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong, great motorcycle. Best year for the 999s. Love this machine.

General Comments:

I have owned 4 Yamahas (last one for 24 years), this is my second Ducati. This is by far the best performer, and if the repairs are anything like the ST4, then I will be very happy.

Maintenance is a little higher, but not terrible. Most people think it is high, because they never treated their Japanese bikes to proper maintenance (I was that guy also).

Ducati Motorcycles have to be ridden, ridden like you mean it. If you want to pose on a pretty machine, there are not many prettier, but the machine wants to be ridden and will reward you 10 fold for every mile that you test it. I just got back from a ride, it definitely impresses the pilot. If you are a rider who loves to push your machine try a duc'. I will never be able to reach the limits of this motorcycle.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 22nd June, 2009

2004 Ducati 999s from Japan

Summary:

It is the crappiest horrible fickle bike that will suck your finances and your passion

Faults:

The electrics went out at less than a 1000kms.

The clutch started slipping at less than 1500kms.

The bike died a number of times.

The bike would not start.

The bike stalled suddenly and nearly threw me off the handlebars, even though I was revving it.

General Comments:

It is really horrible and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. Puts you off riding. Some Ducatis are good and some are bad, but it's not worth the risk as there is a 50 percent chance you'll get a lemon, and then there is nothing Ducati will do for you. It is money down the drain.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 21st July, 2006

18th Feb 2007, 15:02

Hello.

I could not be happier with my 04' 999S. The bike performs perfectly and I have not had any problems at all except for a badly routed gas tank hose that was an easy fix. The handling, speed, reliability, quality are all superb. There are lemons in every brand of motorcycle, a friend of mine once bought a brand new Honda VFR only to be stranded within the first 50 miles of ownership. Apparently the VFR had a problem with the regulator, anything is posible with mechanical items. Keep the good side up...

Cheers.

14th Aug 2007, 01:17

I have an 04 999s and I love the bike to pieces. Whether I am carving the roads or washing it before I pull it into my living room, the bike sparks the passion inside me like a beautiful piece of art should.

It has 6000 miles on it and in this time, I have had the dash replaced and the exhaust tab re-welded on the frame, both covered by Ducati 3 months after the factory warranty expired. I believe the exhaust tab broke off due to having my termi's installed incorrectly. My plan now is to hold onto the bike until 999's become hip again. :)

- Ride it like you stole it!

21st Sep 2008, 16:25

I'm sorry to hear you had such bad luck. My first time Ducati experience with my 749 has been an incredible one. Yes Ducs are much more finicky than the generally maintenance free and reliable Japanese rockets. That though is a big part of the passion. We've got to pay to play :). Testastretta engines are typically quite reliable too.

5th Dec 2012, 05:53

999's are one of the nicer Ducati's ever built. Ride a nice S model and tell me it rides badly, and I'll tell you that you know nothing about motorcycles. They didn't win Superbikes for so many years without being an amazing platform to begin with. Ducati clutches last 20000klms no dramas if worked hard, even a dry one.